Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Yasuda
Hi Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Movement has always been really important to me. It’s my de-stressor, it’s my happy place, it’s where I feel most like myself. I grew up dancing and began my journey with pilates to accompany that, even though it would be many years until I decided to teach Pilates for a living. When I started training to be a teacher, I also understood that for me, movement isn’t necessarily a workout. Movement is freedom and the workout just happens to be a great side effect. So I knew that in my pilates sessions, I wished to teach freedom over fitness.
I believe freedom means different things for different people. Maybe it’s associated with an injury so freedom entails more knowledge of how to strengthen to prevent further damage, or how to heal properly. Or freedom could be more of an emotional state- maybe it’s a time to withdraw from the demands of the world and create a safe space just for you. When I move, I understand that everything else will be okay, and my hope is that my clients leave their sessions with a greater sense of self and a greater sense of safety and freedom.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m sure it’s the same for anyone branching out on their own, or at least I’d like to believe others feel this way, but I have found that starting your own business really makes you confront your demons. You have to face your insecurities, whether that’s a lack of believing in yourself or your abilities. You have to constantly put yourself out there, learning to be okay with rejection and acknowledging any doubts of not being good enough. You have to learn to be okay with not being “for everyone.” You have to learn how to show up fully for yourself because only then will you have something genuine to offer others.
Well, now you know my demons, lol. But those have been my greatest struggles along the way and have really forced me to look in the mirror and honestly acknowledge where I’m at in my self-love journey and grow from there. Because if I’m the only thing holding myself back, at least that’s something I have control of. I can definitely change that story.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself an artist first and foremost. I come from a background of floral design and also create multimedia dance work alongside my dance partner under our collaboration, MUDA. Our work is personal and tells meaningful stories centered on generational trauma and mental health. Being able to create and share with the world fills my cup the most.
When I started teaching, it was important to me to preserve that artistic center and I find myself still exploring ways to stay creative within the teaching space. This passion fuels my pursuit to integrate more somatic movement into my Pilates sessions. To find more of a focus on our emotions, how the body holds trauma, ways to release it and again, find greater freedom within oneself. It’s possible to access play, creativity and constant exploration on top of movement which is the goal for each session. All of my favorite things combined!
You can find more information about my offerings on my website: movementbykiko.com
I go into more depth about my group sessions which are PAY WHAT YOU CAN and my 1 on 1 sessions that take place in my little cabin in the woods (of Altadena :)).
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I’m not sure I believe in luck. I think life is full of necessary lessons and how we respond and learn along the way dictates our life’s path. That being said, I do believe socio-economic factors do play a role and maybe that is where I am lucky. Lucky to have been given opportunities throughout my life to earn money and support myself that have now led to the ability to branch out on my own. So for that, I am very grateful.
Pricing:
- 1 on 1 60-Minute Sessions are $80 *ask about packages*
- 1 on 1 90-Minute Sessions are $125 *ask about packages*
- Group Class in Atwater Village is PAY WHAT YOU CAN!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.movementbykiko.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikoyasuda
Image Credits
G L Askew
